We Are Underway...

And we are underway…that certainly feels good to say after the many months of delays and having matches without fans. The Providence Christian College volleyball team opened the 2021 campaign at home last Thursday, August 26th, versus the San Diego Christian College Hawks. The Sea Beggars then traveled to play the West Coast Baptist Eagles on Monday, August 30th. In the home opener against San Diego Christian the energy in the gym was palpable. The fans, specifically the student section, did not let up until the night ended.

The Sea Beggars started the first match against SDCC with three straight points, as the Hawks were on their heals trying to adjust to the noise and energy in the building. Game one was a great battle as the Sea Beggars held the lead late until the Hawks eventually pulled away winning 23-25. The Sea Beggars again came out firing in game two and won 25-22. The last two games of the night went in favor of the Hawks, 15-25 and 18-25. Junior MB/OH Aniayia Harris (JR/Palmdale, CA) commented, "I think overall SDCC was a good team, and so are we, but we just weren't connecting the pieces and sadly ran out of gas. We have some work to do and it's great to be a part of a team who can accept that and do what it takes to improve." Senior OH Josye Miller (SR/Redmond, OR) said, "I think a key takeaway that will set us apart in future matches is going to be consistency. Every team has their ups and downs throughout a match, but if we are able to bounce back from errors quickly, I think that will make the one- or two-point difference in a set."

When asked about the environment, Harris said, "It felt so good to have fans in our brand-new gym for the first time. Our fans were so supportive and just overall had a good time. I remember a few times looking into the stands and seeing everyone having a great time and enjoying each other's presence. It just hit me, like wow, we're able to put on a show for them the same way they put on a show for us by being our support system, which I love. I hope our future home games look the same or even better. It gives us that motivation even when we are down on ourselves and lifts our spirits back up." Miller added, "I loved the environment. There was a lot of positive talk to our players, creative cheers/chants and lots of energy. I think that having that exciting environment is not only beneficial to our players, but it also creates a connection between the fans and the players. It brings our student body closer together as a whole." Coach Chris Chown agreed with their sentiment by saying, "Having our first home game with fans was incredible. The atmosphere was truly electric; I get goosebumps when I think about it. It was a blast to compete in such an intimate and deafening setting. I very much look forward to our future home games."

The Sea Beggars did not have much time to regroup before hitting the road, when they traveled north to West Coast Baptist on Monday. Coach Chown feels that the team has made strides this year and said, "I think that our team has improved in terms of our level of cohesion. We have a lot of work to do, but I trust that we will put in the work to get better each day, as well as make sure that fitness is never the factor that stands in our way." The work put in by the team has been significant, and Chown specifically pointed out Jordyn Moser (SO/Prescott Valley, AZ) saying, "she has certainly stood out thus far. She is relentlessly positive on and off the court and has backed that up with some really solid ball control." When asked who stood out to both Harris and Miller, they mentioned Valeria Garcia (SO/Camarillo, CA), Cassidy Sanchez (JR/Clint, TX), and Caitlynne Sanchez. Miller said about the two setters, "A Lot of the times people only praise the hitters for getting that "big kill", but the reality is, us hitters can't get that kill without the setters busting their butts to give us a hittable ball. Both girls run the court and bring a fire to the court. I love playing next to them. They push not only themselves but the entire team to be better." Harris elaborated on the play of Garcia saying, "I love her work ethic and just how hungry she is for feedback to improve her game. Watching her grow from when she was a recruit to now is the definition of what we try to embody, which is buying into our program. It's an awesome sight, and I love you girl!" The great play against West Coast Baptist resulted in a convincing 3-0 straight set win 25-16, 25-10, 25-16.

The Sea Beggars have a few days to regroup before hosting West Coast Baptist next week. Please continue to support and cheer on your Sea Beggars when they return to The Cove for a 6pm first serve on Tuesday September 7th.